August 19th 2024.
In a recent development, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israel has agreed to a proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict and securing the release of hostages in Gaza. Addressing reporters after a 2½-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken revealed that he will also be traveling to Egypt on Tuesday for further discussions.
For months, the US, Egypt, and Qatar have been working towards a ceasefire agreement, but the talks have repeatedly hit roadblocks. The latest round of negotiations has sparked renewed optimism, with Blinken's visit coming just days after the US and other mediators expressed hope for a breakthrough.
During his meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken confirmed that Israel supports the proposed bridging solution. However, he also emphasized the need for Hamas to accept the deal. It is unclear if the proposal addresses Israel's demands for control over strategic corridors in Gaza, an issue that Hamas has previously rejected.
Blinken stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for a swift resolution to bring relief to the suffering of Palestinians and secure the safe return of hostages. He also urged all parties to avoid any actions that could derail the progress or escalate the conflict further.
In a separate meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken thanked the Biden administration for its support and expressed concern over the recent attacks against Israelis. Herzog echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the resilience of Israel in the face of terrorism.
The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Cairo this week, where mediators will try to finalize a ceasefire agreement. Blinken will be joining the discussions in the city of el-Alamein after his visit to Israel.
The conflict, which began on October 7, has claimed many lives and caused extensive damage in Gaza. The proposed ceasefire would involve a three-phase process, including the release of all hostages abducted by Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the progress made, there are still some differences between the Israeli and Hamas positions. The US has presented proposals to bridge these gaps, and both sides are expected to respond this week. However, if the talks fail to reach a resolution, it could lead to further delays, as seen in previous attempts.
In response to Netanyahu's comments about not giving in to all demands, Hamas accused him of prolonging the war and setting new conditions. They also claimed that the latest proposal favors Israel's interests.
Blinken urged both sides to seize this opportunity and reach a deal, emphasizing the need for everyone to say "yes" and not look for excuses to say "no." Meanwhile, an Egyptian official revealed that talks between Israel and Egypt have not yet yielded a breakthrough, with Israel insisting on maintaining control over the Philadelphi corridor and the east-west route in Gaza.
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